recession redux

Update May 2025: Here we go again. Again. Depending on your tolerance for risk and which media outlets you trust, you may think the economic sky is falling thanks to unchecked political turmoil and this country’s role in it. Maybe. Experts are split.

One thing’s for sure. If businesses adopt a recessionary mindset, that’s likely what we’ll get. Whether we’re heading for a recession, a soft landing, or something in between, think like an agile, savvy entrepreneur and figure out your game plan now. Thoughts on the Big R over the past few years and tips for navigating the uncertainty below.

 

Update July 2023: Despite the media hype, a recession has failed to materialize, and many experts are now predicting a “soft landing.” Some others, of course, are still attempting to will a recession with a capital R into being.

The global economy is whacky to be sure. But many economic indicators remain positive. There are sectors and niches going strong. If you’re not already investing in marketing and building your brand, now’s the time. 

“People have been using the wrong R-word to describe the economy,” Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, told CBS MoneyWatch recently. “It’s resilience — not recession.”

 

Original post September 2022:

Here we go again. Market manipulation. Media fear-mongering. The R Word.

Those of us who have been in business a long while know that this, too, shall pass. To successfully ride out economic dips means resisting the temptation to cut all spending. Does uncertainty call for for caution and planning? Yes. A total freeze? No.

The segment that gets hurt the worst at these times is small to mid-sized businesses because of that knee-jerk freeze response.

 

reality check

Economies ebb and flow, and considering the constant social and political turmoil in recent years combined with staggering prices and consumer spending, it’s a wonder an ebb didn’t come sooner. When a correction happens, the key is to shift into strategic mode and decide how you’ll navigate without losing market share. Perhaps you’ll even make gains.

A successful approach is to do what it takes to maintain and improve your market position.

So how do you build business in a potential recession? Keep marketing. Specifically,

1 Earn customer loyalty. Demonstrate value. Honor repeat business with a loyalty program or favorable pricing.

2 Acknowledge economic trends by offering limited-time special offers. This helps retain existing customers and attract new ones.

3 Communicate with your customers. Offer helpful and timely information (like this article you’re reading!) Survey clients and customers to find out what they want, need and fear in this economic climate. Address their pain points.

4 Provide value-add services and simply don’t charge for them. Itemize the freebies on your invoices but mark them N/C or complimentary.

5 Keep your brand relevant. Use all your media channels to deliver branded content and messaging that shows you care about your customers and are acting responsibly in a changing world.

6 Introduce products, services and features that meet or anticipate changing needs. Tweak existing offerings to meet the moment. Consider opportunities related to sustainability, social responsibility, finance, technology, education, health and wellness, economic development.

7 Evaluate and update your marketing plan. Adjust your strategy to meet current needs and concerns. If you don’t have a marketing plan, it’s time to put one in place. Ideas and suggestions here.

8 Buy from other local, small and B2B businesses to keep the money flowing. Invest in marketing and related activities that generate revenue.

9 How well is your website helping you market your business? Is the design outdated? Is it mobile-friendly? Is the messaging relevant? We recommend a website refresh every two years, or any time customers scrutinize purchases more carefully.

10 Stay savvy, plan ahead, measure, adjust and repeat.

 

more ideas

Global Brands Have One Thing in Common When It Comes to Recession Planning

Marketing Costs are Rising But that Doesn’t Mean You Have to Cut Back

Marketing in a Recession

What Happens After the Soft Landing?

Remember that looming recession? Not happening.

 

an inflection point

There’s honestly nothing more invigorating as a marketer than supporting businesses through periods of change and uncertainty. I love helping business owners tap into the potential of an ever-changing landscape of challenges and opportunities. This is where creativity meets tried an true marketing principles that help our client thrive.

If you need support with a project, planning or strategy, please consider scheduling a complimentary strategy session to get the ideas flowing.